Rotating Tool for Self-Stiffened Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing cylindrical self-stiffened panels face challenges in maintaining geometry control and preventing insert deformation due to centrifugal and gravitational forces, leading to potential defects.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a rotating support and a set of punches equipped with fixing systems, including sliding mechanisms and hooks, ensures precise positioning and locking of punches during the manufacturing process, allowing for the production of cylindrical self-stiffened panels without deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the assembly is inverted to deposit second layers of fibers all around for cylindrical panel manufacturing, then the cylindrical self-stiffened panel can be created, but the inserts deform under centrifugal force and gravity causing defects
Solution Approach 1:
The punches are pre-equipped with fastening systems (hooks and noses) that are activated before the insertion process. This preliminary preparation ensures that the punches are securely held in position along their length before fibers are deposited, preventing deformation during the manufacturing process while enabling cylindrical panel production
2Manufacturing precision
If inserts are used for manufacturing self-stiffened panels, then good results are achieved for flat panels, but the method cannot be used for cylindrical panels due to insert deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system incorporates movable components (slides) that can transition between fixing and release positions. During cylindrical panel manufacturing, the slides are in the fixing position to prevent insert deformation. The system dynamically adapts to different manufacturing requirements while maintaining precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The tool effectively maintains the geometry of self-stiffened panels during rotation, preventing insert deformation and ensuring the production of high-quality cylindrical panels by securely locking and unlocking punches throughout the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a slide movable in translation on the support (100) parallel to the axis (X) and at least one hook fixed to the slide
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tool for making a self-stiffening panel which includes a support (100), a set of punches (202) and a channel delimited between two punches (202), for each punch (202), first fixing means (106a) comprising a slide (402) movable in translation on the support (100) and at least one hook (404) fixed to the slide (402), second fixing means (106b) comprising at least one nose (210) integral with the punch (202), and actuating means moving the slide (402) from a fixing position in which each nose (210) is located between the support (100) and a hook (404), to a release position in which the hooks (404) are offset relative to the noses (210). With such a tool, each punch is held in position along its length, thus ensuring good positioning during draping, even if the tool is rotated.